What is Reiki? A Complete Guide to Reiki Healing and Energy Work

What is Reiki Energy Healing?

Reiki (pronounced RAY-kee) is a gentle Japanese healing technique that harnesses and directs universal life energy to promote relaxation, healing, and energetic balance. At its core, Reiki works with your body's natural energy field—what medical professionals call your "biofield"—to stimulate your innate healing capabilities.

The word "Reiki" itself has two meanings. First, it refers to the universal life energy that flows through all living things—that vital force you feel when you take a deep breath in nature or experience a moment of perfect flow when being creative or playful. Second, it describes the formal healing modality that channels and focuses this energy for therapeutic purposes.

Unlike many wellness practices, Reiki is both ancient wisdom and evidence-based therapy. It's a safe, non-invasive treatment that complements traditional medical care while addressing aspects of healing that conventional medicine can’t reach. And, it feels amazing.

History of Reiki: Origins and Development

The Global Roots of Energy Healing

Healers have been doing hands-on energy healing for thousands of years, under many names and in most cultures. Western wellness culture sometimes treats Reiki as if it were the sole keeper of energy healing. In reality, it is one thread in a vast web of Indigenous and traditional knowledge. Energy healing has been practiced under many names by communities across the world long before Reiki was systematized in Japan. Recognizing this helps us honor both Reiki’s Japanese roots and the broader truth: that wisdom traditions everywhere have developed ways of moving energy for healing and balance.

Examples of these practices include the laying-on of hands in Christian and African diasporic traditions, prana healing in India, curanderismo in Latin America, Native American and First Nations healing ceremonies, and rongoā medicine of the Māori. Some approaches use direct touch, while others rely on sound, breath, plants, or ritual—but all rest on the understanding that health, energy, and spirit are inseparable. Reiki fits within this wider human lineage of energy work, while carrying its own distinct origin story.

The Japanese Origins (Dr. Mikao Usui)

Reiki as a formal healing system began with Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922. Dr. Usui developed this method after years of studying ancient healing texts and undergoing intensive spiritual practices on Mount Kurama.

The practice was later refined by Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, one of Usui's students, who systematized the hand positions and treatment protocols that many of us still use today.

How Reiki Spread to the West (Takata’s Story)

Reiki came to America through Mrs. Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman who received healing from Dr. Hayashi in the 1930s. After experiencing profound results, she trained as a practitioner and brought Reiki to Hawaii in 1938, eventually teaching it throughout the United States.

Today, millions of people worldwide practice and receive Reiki treatments, with many hospitals and healthcare facilities incorporating it into patient care.

How Reiki Energy Healing Works

The Reiki Practitioner as a Conduit for Energy

A trained Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for universal life energy. The healing energy does not come from the practitioner but flows through them to the recipient. Think of it like wind filling a sail or light passing through a prism—the practitioner doesn’t create the energy, but they are attuned to catch, shape, and guide it where it is most needed.

This is the essence of Reiki energy healing: supporting the body’s natural ability to restore balance and wellbeing by directing universal life force in a safe, intentional way. During treatment, practitioners use specific hand positions to focus this energy on different areas of the body and energy field, promoting balance and supporting your natural healing processes. Many practitioners, including myself, also work directly with the chakras.

The Science and Research Behind Reiki

From a scientific perspective, Reiki is classified as a biofield therapy—a noninvasive treatment where practitioners work with the recipient's energy field to stimulate healing responses.

Every living being has a subtle energetic field around them. Modern medicine already recognizes aspects of this through:

• EEGs (measuring electrical brain activity)

• ECGs (measuring heart electrical patterns)

• Thermoelectric devices powered by body heat

While science continues to study these subtle energies, research published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health has shown that biofield treatments like Reiki can:

• Reduce pain and fatigue

• Decrease anxiety and depression

• Improve quality of life

• Support faster healing

• Enhance overall wellbeing

In some studies, Reiki has even shown effectiveness comparable to traditional medications for certain conditions (though Reiki is not the same as a Western medical treatment).

Skeptics sometimes dismiss Reiki and other energy practices as placebo. But a growing body of peer-reviewed research shows measurable benefits. Highlights include:

• Pain reduction: Multiple studies demonstrate Reiki's effectiveness for both chronic and acute pain

• Anxiety relief: Significant reductions in anxiety scores across various populations

• Quality of life: Improvements in overall wellbeing measures, including in cancer and surgical patients

• Hospital outcomes: Reduced length of stay and improved patient satisfaction

For those interested in digging deeper, here are two referenced medical studies:

• Reiki for the treatment of pain, anxiety, and fatigue

• Reiki therapy for symptom management

Ongoing research areas include:

• Mechanisms of biofield interaction

• Optimal treatment protocols

• Integration with conventional medicine

• Long-term health outcomes

If you’d like a non-academic perspective, The Atlantic published a thoughtful article: “Reiki Can't Possibly Work. So Why Does It?” And the Cleveland Clinic has an accessible overview: What Is Reiki? And Does It Actually Work?

What to Expect in a Reiki Session: Process and Experience

The Healing Environment

A typical Reiki session takes place in a calm, peaceful setting. You'll lie fully clothed on a comfortable massage table while soft music plays in the background. The atmosphere is designed to support deep relaxation and healing.

The Process

Initial Consultation: Sessions typically begin with a conversation about your current needs, health concerns, and intentions for healing. This helps the practitioner understand how to focus the treatment.

Energy Assessment: The practitioner will spend time sensing your energy field and identifying areas that need attention.

Hands-On Treatment: Using gentle hand placement on specific areas of your body, the practitioner channels Reiki energy. Most trauma-informed healers, like myself, also offer the options to work with our hands hovering just above the body rather than directly touching you—both approaches are equally effective.

Integration Time: Sessions typically end with a few minutes for you to integrate the experience before slowly returning to normal awareness.

What You Might Feel

Reiki experiences are unique to each person and can vary from session to session:

• Physical sensations: Warmth, tingling, vibrations, or gentle pulsing

• Emotional responses: Deep peace, emotional releases, or clarity

• Mental states: Light sleep, meditative trance, or heightened awareness

• Visual experiences: Colors, lights, or imagery

• Nothing at all: Many people feel very little during treatment but notice benefits afterward

All of these responses are normal and beneficial. The energy goes where it's needed regardless of what you consciously experience. A lot of times, my clients tell me that they feel like they went somewhere really relaxing–I like to give extra time at the end to help people fully come back to themselves.

When I practice reiki healing, I am tapping into the energy that flows all around us, and directing it to certain places based on your present moment needs. This energy doesn't come from me, but rather flows through me. As a reiki practitioner, I don't have magic powers, but I am attuned to reiki energy and trained to direct, amplify, and anchor it.

The Benefits of Reiki Healing

Because Reiki goes where it’s needed, it often leaves people feeling better than when they had the session. What that means can vary wildly, since people bring all sorts of feelings to the session. Here are some commonly reported and recorded benefits:

Physical Healing Support

• Pain reduction

• Improved sleep

• Faster recovery from illness or injury (or general malaise)

• Reduced fatigue and increased energy in the days following

• Better immune system function

• Support for chronic conditions

Emotional and Mental Wellbeing

• Stress and anxiety relief

• Emotional balance and stability

• Release of trauma and stuck emotions

• Increased clarity and focus

• Enhanced mood and outlook

• Feeling more resilient

Spiritual Connection

• Deeper sense of inner peace

• Enhanced intuition and wisdom

• Stronger connection to purpose

• Greater compassion for self and others

• Expanded awareness and consciousness

A lot of my clients report feeling really sensitive after their sessions. For that reason, I highly recommend not drinking alcohol and not spending a lot of time on screens or with people who bum you out after a session. And drinking a lot of water is a must!

Long-Term Transformation

While even one session can provide significant benefits, Reiki's effects build over time. Regular treatments can lead to:

• Permanent positive changes in energy patterns

• Lasting improvements in physical and emotional health

• Greater capacity for joy and fulfillment

• Enhanced ability to handle stress and challenges

The more you do it, the better it works. That’s why self Reiki can be so great!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reiki safe?

Yes. Reiki is completely non-invasive, gentle, and safe for all ages. It has no known side effects and cannot cause harm.

Can Reiki replace medical treatment?

No. While Reiki can be a powerful complement to medical care, it should never replace professional medical treatment for serious conditions.

Does insurance cover Reiki?

Most insurance plans don’t cover Reiki–yet. However, some flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) may reimburse Reiki if your provider categorizes it under complementary or integrative therapies. It’s always best to check directly with your insurance company.

What should I wear to a session?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You remain fully clothed throughout the treatment.

How many sessions do I need?

Even one session can provide significant benefits. Many people choose regular sessions for ongoing support and deeper transformation.

Reiki, like many healing modalities, builds on itself. So, the more sessions the better–but even one can make an enormous difference.

Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to work?

Nope. Reiki does not depend on belief; it naturally supports balance, and receptivity can make the experience stronger.

How much does Reiki cost?

The price of reiki sessions varies widely depending on location, practitioner experience, and session length. In large cities, most sessions run between $150 for a new practitioner working from home, and $450 dollars for a 90-minute session with a Reiki master in a spa setting.

Can I learn Reiki for myself?

Yes! Many people learn Reiki initially for self-healing and find that it transforms their relationship with their own wellbeing. In fact, I highly recommend that even experienced practitioners continue to do self Reiki. To find someone to learn Reiki from, try a few sessions with people in your area to find a good fit. I do private reiki trainings for small groups in Miami Beach, NYC, and online; contact me if you’re interested.

How do I find a Reiki healer near me?

The easiest way to find a Reiki practitioner near you is to start locally. Search for ‘Reiki sessions near me’ or check integrative medicine programs at nearby hospitals and wellness centers—many now include Reiki on their care menus. You can also explore practitioner directories through professional Reiki organizations, or ask for recommendations in local yoga studios, meditation centers, or community wellness groups. I also love the old “asking around” technique.

What's the difference between traditional and decolonized Reiki?

Decolonized Reiki removes problematic Western adaptations like hierarchical systems and cultural appropriation while honoring the original healing intentions and making the practice more accessible and ethical. It’s better for everyone.

Types of Reiki Practice

Traditional Usui Reiki

The original system developed by Dr. Usui, focusing on specific hand positions, energy symbols, and spiritual principles. This remains the most widely practiced form.

Integrated Energy Healing

Many modern practitioners combine Reiki with complementary modalities such as:

• Chakra healing and alignment

• Crystal therapy and sound healing

• Aromatherapy and plant medicine

• Mindfulness meditation and somatic practices

• Infrared sauna therapy

This integrated approach can enhance the healing experience and address multiple aspects of wellbeing. For example, in my own practice, I combine Reiki with trauma-informed somatic work in what I call Sacred Space Sessions, designed specifically for deep nervous system healing.

Who Can Benefit from Reiki?

In my own practice, many clients come to me with chronic stress, trauma, or the feeling of being disconnected from themselves. A lot of folks come to me at what I call “the threshold of change.” Reiki, especially when combined with somatic healing, can be a powerful support for these experiences.

Universal Healing

Reiki is safe and beneficial for people of all ages, from newborns to elderly individuals. It's particularly helpful for:

• People experiencing chronic stress and burnout

• Individuals dealing with anxiety and depression

• Those recovering from illness or surgery

• Anyone seeking emotional balance and clarity

• People wanting to deepen spiritual connection

• Individuals interested in preventive wellness

Special Populations

Reiki is especially gentle and effective for:

• Pregnant women

• Children and teens

• Elderly individuals

• People with chronic conditions

• Those recovering from trauma (when it is a trauma-informed practitioner)

• Individuals sensitive to other treatments

Even skeptics can benefit—the energy naturally flows where needed regardless of belief level. Personally, I welcome skeptics. But, the more open you are, the more Reiki will flow!

Pets and Animals

Animals are naturally drawn to Reiki energy. Many practitioners work with pets and other animals, who often show immediate positive responses to treatment. I find elderly pets especially participate in Reiki sessions. I don’t do sessions just for pets, look below to see a dog enjoying one of my client’ sessions. :)

Understanding Decolonized Reiki Practice

While Reiki's journey to the West brought this healing art to millions, it also introduced some problematic adaptations that moved away from the original spiritual intentions. Many modern practitioners, including myself, are returning to more authentic approaches.

What Decolonized Energy Healing Tries to Address

Cultural Appropriation: Recognizing that energy healing exists across many Indigenous cultures and isn't owned by any single tradition.

Commercialization: Moving away from expensive hierarchical "master" systems toward more accessible, relationship-based learning.

Power Dynamics: Rejecting authoritarian teacher-student relationships in favor of mutual respect and consent-based healing.

Wellness Industrial Complex: Offering healing that doesn't require believing you're broken or need to be "fixed."

Core Principles of Respectful Practice

• Honoring the Japanese origins while acknowledging universal energy healing traditions

• Focusing on healing relationship rather than authority structures

• Emphasizing accessibility over exclusivity

• Starting from wholeness rather than brokenness

• Integrating trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches

This approach allows practitioners to offer the profound benefits of Reiki while maintaining ethical, respectful practices that honor both the tradition and the people seeking healing.

For me: I am trauma-informed, queer-friendly, sex-worker friendly, and do ongoing work to continue to decolonize my practice.

Choosing a Qualified Reiki Practitioner

Training and Lineage

Reiki training involves the teaching of concepts, but it also includes direct energetic transmission from teacher to student through established lineages tracing back to the founders. Meaning: ideally, there is an unbroken line of energy. Look for practitioners who:

• Have completed formal training programs (not just online certifications) taught by reputable folks

• Can trace their lineage to Dr. Usui or Mrs. Takata–or look for healers who are Indigenous and use established Indigenous healing practices

• Continue their education and practice regularly

• Are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive

What to Look For

You can look specifically for:

Professional qualifications: Lineage, training, certifications, and continuing education

Experience: Years of practice and client testimonials

Approach: Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and client-centered care

Environment: Clean, peaceful, professional setting

Communication: Clear about process, boundaries, and realistic expectations

Red Flags to Avoid

• Promises of miraculous cures

• Pressure to book multiple sessions upfront

• Inappropriate touching or boundary violations

• Claims that Reiki can replace medical treatment

• Lack of proper training or credentials

• Appropriation of sacred symbols or practices from other cultures

My Own Reiki Lineage

My own Reiki lineage can be traced back to both Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan and Mrs. Hawayo Takata in Hawaii. Here is my line:

Doctor Usui    >    Doctor Hayashi    >    Mrs. Takata    >    John Harvey Gray    >    Brian Brunius & Cynthia Santiago-Borbon    >    Liza Kindred

I have also received direct transmissions and teaching from the late lineage holder, Usui Shiki Ryoho Grandmaster Phyllis Furumoto. Here we are together in 2018:

Reiki Training: Becoming a Practitioner

The Three Levels

We have already discussed the problem of the “master” ideology and hierarchy in Reiki, but setting that aside to discuss the formalities surrounding Reiki today, there are three levels offered:

Reiki I / First Degree: Where students learn basic principles, hand positions, and self-treatment; they also receive their first energetic attunement.

Reiki II / Second Degree: Students are taught Reiki symbols, distance healing techniques, and also how to treat others professionally.

Reiki III/Master Level: At this level, practitioners are given advanced symbols, instilled with teaching abilities, and are offered the deepest theoretical understanding of Reiki energy.

Personally, I am a Reiki Master. I was taught that Master Level is just for people who want to teach others (although a lot of people just enjoy climbing the levels.)

Choosing Ethical Training

Quality Reiki education generally involves:

• In-person instruction and attunements (live online classes can also work when done in small groups with an experienced teacher)

• Comprehensive study of history and principles (know your elders!)

• Hands-on practice with supervision

• Ongoing mentorship and support

• Connection to an established lineage

• Cultural sensitivity and decolonized approaches

Seriously: avoid those quick online certifications that lack the depth and transmission of traditional training. They are just money grabs, and you won’t get much out of them.

Integrating Reiki with Medical Care

Complementary, Not Alternative

Reiki works beautifully alongside conventional medical treatment. Many hospitals now offer Reiki to patients because research shows it can:

• Reduce need for pain medication

• Decrease anxiety before procedures

• Speed post-surgical recovery

• Improve quality of life during cancer treatment

• Support mental health during medical challenges

Finding Your Path with Reiki

Whether you're seeking relief from physical pain, emotional healing, spiritual connection, or simply a moment of deep peace, Reiki can offer profound support on your journey.

The beauty of Reiki lies not in its complexity but in its simplicity—the recognition that healing energy is our birthright, available to us always. In a world that profits from telling us we're broken, Reiki reminds us of our inherent wholeness.

If you feel drawn to explore Reiki, trust that instinct. This gentle practice offers a path back to your own innate wisdom, peace, and healing capacity—not through fixing what's "wrong" with you, but through connecting with the wholeness that was always there.

The energy is there, waiting, ready when you are. May Reiki be of benefit to you!

Love,

Liza

p.s. This is what I believe: healing is your birthright, and energy work is one way to remember that truth. Reiki is one of the practices I use in my work with clients, alongside somatic trauma therapy, sound healing, and nervous system restoration. If you’re curious to experience Reiki in a safe, modern, trauma-informed way, I invite you to explore my Sacred Space Sessions. While you’re here, be sure to join my free newsletter to get my weekly love notes!

A peek into my private Reiki studio in Miami Beach